Profiling diagram (Excalidraw)

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Performance conversations go better with a picture. This one draws each stage of a request as a bar proportional to its duration, which makes the argument immediately.

Simple profiling diagram

#What this example shows

  • Bars sized in proportion to real measurements.

  • A total across the top, so the parts add up visibly.

  • The slow stage highlighted, with the number written on it.

#How to build it

Step

What you do

1

Draw a horizontal axis and label it with the total duration.

2

Draw one bar per stage, sized in proportion to its measured time.

3

Write the actual milliseconds on each bar; the picture is an aid, not the data.

4

Highlight the dominant stage in a different colour.

5

Annotate what you intend to change and what you expect the effect to be.

#Making it your own

  • Write the numbers on. A proportional sketch without figures invites argument.

  • Draw the before and after side by side once you have made the change.

  • For repeatable measurement, use a chart; this is for the conversation.

Rough on purpose, and quicker for it.